Figure 12: Housing on Dilworth Mountain
Located near Skeena Nature Trail.
(Photo by author)
Dilworth Mountain's Skeena Nature Trail is surrounded by ritzy neighborhoods on every side with a man-made park directly across the street. Although this is a source of "disturbance" to the site, as it is now isolated from other similar natural landscapes due to the development in the area, it is also a part of its culture. Plots of mountain and shrub-steppe land are often left intact to provide neighborhoods with a connectedness to the natural environment. Areas like Skeena Nature Trail remain relatively untouched in order to provide a sense of environmental aesthetic and value to the homeowners. Potential home buyers tend to be drawn to Kelowna for its environmental aesthetic -the mountains, the lake, the trees- and so it becomes an important part of the area's culture that plots of untouched land are integrated into developed spaces.
Figure 12: View of Okanagan Lake
The view of natural characteristics (water, trees, grass) are important to the aesthetic of the community.
(Photo by author)
Figure 13: Severed tree stump
Human involvement means "managing" the landscape, even in small ways.
(Photo by author)
Although there's no indication as to why this tree was cut down -infestation, space, safety- this is evidence of human interference with the landscape of Skeena Nature Trail. The landscape may have escaped being flattened and paved for development, but it is still being managed. The trail itself is cleared and well-worn, whether by use or construction, I'm not sure. These minor forms of alteration of the landscape become part of its cultural significance. People want to be able to interact with the natural landscapes around them, such as a nature trail nestled in a densely residential neighborhood, and so they manage aspects of the land in order to make it safe, accessible, and/or aesthetically pleasing. This is a common value throughout developed countries and can be seen especially in cities with pleasing landmarks, such as lakes, mountains, natural parks, and trails.
Figure 14: Fallen Tree
Hollowed out by other species, perhaps various insects, but vacant for the encroaching winter.
(Photo by author)
Figure 15: Decaying Log
A source of nutrients and shelter to other species on the trail.
(Photo by author)
The species of Skeena Nature Trail have been shaped by the human development surrounding them. Most of the species found in this location are very resilient and can adapt to many different living conditions. The trail itself is a small plot of land left untouched during the development of the Dilworth Mountain communities, and its isolation makes it an unsuitable environment for many species. The plantlife that has managed to survive here, however, can withstand varying conditions and interference and can make due with little resources (lack of water, competition for space, limited sunlight). Although the trail might not seem as rich and diversified as some landscapes within the Okanagan, it is a durable environment and the majority of the species associated with it are conditioned to "make due." This makes for a sustainable environment, as the foundation (the plantlife) is not easily deterred, so long as human interference does not extend to bulldozing this space to make room for more housing, yards, man-made parks, etc.
Figure 16: Plantlife duribility
A stray Oregon Grape growing through a littered stereo.
(Photo by author)
Figure 17: Human Involvement
In order to provide the houses here with the proper resources, water is channeled most likely from the lake.
(Photo by author.)
Although there are many signs of resilience in the species I have studied along Skeena Mountain Trail, continued human involvement can potentially become so severe as to inhibit growth altogether. There seems to be no current signs of intended further manipulation of the land around the Skeena Nature Trail, and hopefully it will remain that way. Personally, I would like to see Skeena Nature Trail left as is, where it can continue to thrive alongside the Dilworth Mountain communities, and where it can be enjoyed by the current residents and the generations to come.
